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Old 06-17-2008, 09:26 AM
jdenenberg jdenenberg is offline
Engineering Professor
 
Real Name: Jeffrey N. Denenberg
Location: Connecticut
Hybrids: 2004 Prius
Posts: 241
Default Re: how long before fuel cell cars make an impact?

Quote:
Originally Posted by alteredsego View Post
Most of the articles I have read stated that the technology behind fuel cells should be ready for consumers by 2020.
Don 't count on it. All of the existing fuel cell reactors are based on platinum catalysts and are unrealistically expensive. They also have not managed to get a long life out of them to date (at least the platinum is recyclable). At least there is a chance for EV batteries to come down in price (Lithium is an inexpensive raw material and Nickel is also recyclable) and for those who use photo voltaic energy to charge their EVs, EVs become very green and reasonably priced in use.

Besides, I keep my cars running at least ten years (and more than 200k miles), not 5 and I see little reason for an EV not lasting 20 years (with perhaps a mid-life battery replacement).

JeffD
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